Rovers imports hit by more ‘red tape’

THE ARRIVAL of Featherstone Rovers’ overseas duo Reni Maitua and Ryan Verlinden has been hit by more delays.

Rovers had hoped Maitua, who has played for Samoa and Australia, would arrive last weekend, but he has now been told he must take an English language test before his visa is granted.

Aussie Verlinden is hoping to qualify for citizenship and Rovers chief executive Pat Cluskey said: “We’re waiting for one more document and once that comes through it’ll be a matter of days.”

Meanwhile, coach Andy Hay is hopeful hooker Andy Ellis will be available for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie at Whitehaven, despite suffering a dead leg in the 40-6 loss to Leigh Centurions two days ago.

Rovers led 6-4 at the break and Hay said: “In the first half I thought the boys had a real dig.

“In the second half Leigh came out and upped their game and we didn’t stay with them. They blew us away, which was disappointing after the amount of effort the boys put in in the first half.

“They scored a couple of quick tries and we struggled after that.

“We didn’t see much ball, the momentum swung their way and they are a good side.

“Give them the amount of ball we did – in the second half – and they will put any team under a massive amount of pressure.”

Two missing for opener but Featherstone Rovers boss Duffy happy with preparations